[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 236 (Monday, December 9, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 97574-97577]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-28727]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2573; Airspace Docket No. 23-AGL-20]
RIN 2120-AA66
Amendment of Jet Route J-538 and VOR Federal Airways V-129;
Establishment of Canadian RNAV Routes Q-828, Q-945, Q-971, and T-797;
and Revocation of Jet Routes J-483 and J-562; Northcentral United
States
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Jet Route J-538 and Very High
Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-129; establish
Canadian Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-828, Q-945, Q-971, and T-797
within United States (U.S.) airspace; and revoke Jet Routes J-483 and
J-562. The FAA is proposing this action due to NAV CANADA's
decommissioning of the Sioux Narrows (VBI), Ontario (ON), Canada, Very
High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR)/Distance Measuring Equipment
(VOR/DME) navigational aid (NAVAID) and the planned decommissioning of
the Lumsden (VLN), Saskatchewan (SK), Canada, VOR/Tactical Air
Navigation (VORTAC) and Brandon (YBR), Manitoba (MB), Canada, VORTAC
NAVAIDs. This action is proposed in support of NAV CANADA's NAVAID
Modernization Program within Canada.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 23, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2024-2573 and
Airspace Docket No. 23-AGL-20 using any of the following methods:
* Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow
the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.
* Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. Department
of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12-140, West
Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
* Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in
Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays.
* Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493-2251.
Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at
www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for
accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
FAA Order JO 7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points,
and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. You may also contact the Rules and
Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration,
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations
Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 600
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's
authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described
in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section,
the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of
the airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the
efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority as it would modify the National Airspace System (NAS) as
necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. Comments are
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. The most
helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain
the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters
should submit only one time if comments are filed
[[Page 97575]]
electronically, or commenters should send only one copy of written
comments if comments are filed in writing.
The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before
the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed
after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without
incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light
of the comments it receives.
Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at
www.dot.gov/privacy.
Availability of Rulemaking Documents
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
internet at www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at
www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/.
You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any
comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets
Operations office (see ADDRESSES section for address, phone number, and
hours of operations). An informal docket may also be examined during
normal business hours at the office of the Operations Support Group,
Central Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
Incorporation by Reference
Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004, Canadian Area
Navigation Routes (Q-routes) are published in paragraph 2007, VOR
Federal Airways are published in paragraph 6010(a), and Canadian Area
Navigation Routes (T-routes) are published in paragraph 6013 of FAA
Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, which is
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 on an annual basis. This
document proposes to amend the current version of that order, FAA Order
JO 7400.11J, dated July 31, 2024, and effective September 15, 2024.
These updates would be published in the next update to FAA Order JO
7400.11. That order is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES
section of this document.
FAA Order JO 7400.11J lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,
air traffic service routes, and reporting points.
Background
NAV CANADA, which operates Canada's civil air navigation service,
is implementing changes to Canada's instrument flight rules (IFR)
navigation infrastructure as part of their NAVAID Modernization
Program. This modernization program is designed to enhance the
efficiency of Canada's flying operations by taking advantage of
performance-based navigation and RNAV avionics capabilities. The
changes being implemented by NAV CANADA affect Jet Routes J-483, J-538,
and J-562, and VOR Federal Airway V-129. These Air Traffic Service
(ATS) routes provide cross-border connectivity between the U.S. and
Canada.
NAV CANADA has decommissioned the Sioux Narrows, ON, VOR/DME and
plans to decommission the Lumsden, SK, VORTAC and Brandon, MB, VORTAC
as part of their NAVAID Modernization Program. As a result, amendments
to J-538 and V-129, and revocation of J-483 and J-562 in U.S. airspace
are required due to the loss of navigational guidance provided by the
Sioux Narrows, ON; Lumsden, SK; and Brandon, MB, VORs and to match
airway changes NAV CANADA is making within Canadian airspace. NAV
CANADA has established Canadian RNAV Routes Q-828 in the high-altitude
enroute structure and T-797 in the low-altitude enroute structure
already and plans to establish Canadian RNAV Routes Q-945 and Q-971 in
the high-altitude enroute structure as mitigations for the affected ATS
routes within Canadian and U.S. airspace.
To mitigate the proposed loss of J-538 and V-129 route segments and
proposed revocation of J-483 and J-562, and to support NAV CANADA's
planned RNAV route replacements for these affected ATS routes, the FAA
must establish portions of Canadian RNAV Routes Q-828, Q-945, Q-971,
and T-797 within U.S. airspace. The new Canadian RNAV route segments in
U.S. airspace would provide airway continuity with NAV CANADA's RNAV
Routes that are established or being established within Canadian
airspace and provide cross-border airway connectivity between the U.S.
and Canada. Existing NAVAIDs that provide conventional enroute
structure in the affected area are limited and alternate, parallel, or
adjacent Jet Routes or VOR Federal Airways to use as mitigations are
not available. To compensate for the loss of the conventional enroute
structure, IFR pilots with RNAV-equipped aircraft could navigate using
the Canadian RNAV Routes proposed in this action or fly point-to-point
using the Fixes and Waypoints (WP) that would remain in place.
Additionally, IFR pilots could request air traffic control (ATC) radar
vectors to fly through or around the affected areas. Visual flight
rules pilots who elect to navigate via airways could also take
advantage of the ATC services listed previously.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing to amend 14 CFR part 71 by amending Jet Route
J-538 and VOR Federal Airway V-129; establishing Canadian RNAV Routes
Q-828, Q-945, Q-971, and T-797 in U.S. airspace; and revoking Jet
Routes J-483 and J-562. The FAA is proposing this action due to the
decommissioning of the Sioux Narrows, ON, Canada, VOR/DME and the
planned decommissioning of the Lumsden, SK, Canada, VORTAC and Brandon,
MB, Canada, VORTAC by NAV CANADA in support of their NAVAID
Modernization Program. The proposed ATS route actions are described
below.
J-483: J-483 currently extends between the Minot, ND, VOR/DME and
the Lumsden, SK, Canada, VORTAC. The airspace within Canada is
excluded. The FAA proposes to remove the route in its entirety.
J-538: J-538 currently extends between the Sioux Narrows, ON,
Canada, VOR/DME and the Badger, WI, VOR/DME. The airspace within Canada
is excluded. The FAA proposes to remove the route segment between the
Sioux Narrows, ON, VOR/DME and the Duluth, MN, VORTAC. As amended, the
route would be changed to extend between the Duluth VORTAC and the
Badger VOR/DME.
J-562: J-562 currently extends between the Dickinson, ND, VORTAC
and the Brandon, MB, Canada, VORTAC. The airspace within Canada is
excluded. The FAA proposes to remove the route in its entirety.
Q-828: Q-828 is a new Canadian RNAV route proposed to be
established within U.S. airspace extending between the Duluth, MN,
VORTAC and the FARID, MN, WP that would replace the ``CFCJN'' Computer
Navigation Fix (CNF) on the U.S./Canada border. The new RNAV route
would mitigate the proposed J-538 amendment and provide route
continuity and cross-border connectivity with the RNAV Route Q-828
established by NAV CANADA within Canadian airspace.
[[Page 97576]]
Q-945: Q-945 is a new Canadian RNAV route proposed to be
established within U.S. airspace extending between the Dickinson, ND,
VORTAC and the OSMEE, ND, WP that would replace the ``CFMSZ'' CNF on
the U.S./Canada border. The new RNAV route would mitigate the proposed
J-562 revocation and provide route continuity and cross-border
connectivity with the RNAV Route Q-945 being established by NAV CANADA
within Canadian airspace.
Q-971: Q-971 is a new Canadian RNAV route proposed to be
established within U.S. airspace extending between the Minot, ND, VOR/
DME and the CIPTA, ND, WP that would replace the ``CFHLT'' CNF on the
U.S./Canada border. The new RNAV route would mitigate the proposed J-
483 revocation and provide route continuity and cross-border
connectivity with the RNAV Route Q-971 being established by NAV CANADA
within Canadian airspace.
V-129: V-129 currently extends between the Spinner, IL, VORTAC and
the intersection of the International Falls, MN, VOR/DME 335[deg]
radial and United States/Canadian border. The FAA proposes to remove
the airway segment between the International Falls VOR/DME and the
intersection of the International Falls VOR/DME 335[deg] radial and
United States/Canadian border. As amended, the airway would be changed
to extend between the Spinner VORTAC and the International Falls VOR/
DME.
T-797: T-797 is a new Canadian RNAV route proposed to be
established within U.S. airspace extending between the International
Falls, MN, VOR/DME and the WUGOR, MN, WP replacing the ``CFDTS'' CNF on
the U.S./Canada border. The new RNAV route would mitigate the proposed
V-129 airway segment removal and provide route continuity and cross-
border connectivity with the RNAV Route T-797 established by NAV CANADA
within Canadian airspace.
The NAVAID radials listed in the VOR Federal Airway V-129
description in the regulatory text of this NPRM are unchanged and
stated in degrees True north.
Regulatory Notices and Analyses
The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves
an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current.
It, therefore: (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979);
and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation as the
anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that
will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is
certified that this proposed rule, when promulgated, will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Environmental Review
This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies
and Procedures'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:
PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS
0
1. The authority citation for 14 CFR part 71 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24
FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.
Sec. 71.1 [Amended]
0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order JO
7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 31,
2024, and effective September 15, 2024, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 2004 Jet Routes.
* * * * *
J-483 [Removed]
* * * * *
J-538 [Amended]
From Duluth, MN; Dells, WI; to Badger, WI.
* * * * *
J-562 [Removed]
* * * * *
Paragraph 2007 Canadian Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
Q-828 Duluth, MN (DLH) to FARID, MN [New]
Duluth, MN (DLH) VORTAC (Lat. 46[deg]48'07.79'' N, long. 092[deg]12'10.33'' W)
FARID, MN WP (Lat. 48[deg]36'13.96'' N, long. 093[deg]25'16.09'' W)
* * * * *
Q-945 Dickinson, ND (DIK) to OSMEE, ND [New]
Dickinson, ND (DIK) VORTAC (Lat. 46[deg]51'36.14'' N, long. 102[deg]46'24.60'' W)
OSMEE, ND WP (Lat. 48[deg]59'59.19'' N, long. 100[deg]49'57.63'' W)
* * * * *
Q-971 Minot, ND (MOT) to CIPTA, ND [New]
Minot, ND (MOT) VOR/DME (Lat. 48[deg]15'37.21'' N, long. 101[deg]17'13.46'' W)
CIPTA, ND WP (Lat. 48[deg]59'55.84'' N, long. 102[deg]20'17.11'' W)
Paragraph 6010(a) VOR Federal Airways.
* * * * *
V-129 [Amended]
From Spinner, IL; Peoria, IL; Davenport, IA; Dubuque, IA; INT
Dubuque 348[deg] and Nodine, MN, 150[deg] radials; Nodine; Eau
Claire, WI; Duluth, MN; Hibbing, MN; to International Falls, MN.
* * * * *
Paragraph 6013 Canadian Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
[[Page 97577]]
T-797 International Falls, MN (INL) to WUGOR, MN [New]
International Falls, MN (INL) VOR/DME (Lat. 48[deg]33'56.87'' N, long. 093[deg]24'20.44'' W)
WUGOR, MN WP (Lat. 48[deg]35'58.85'' N, long. 093[deg]25'44.53'' W)
Issued in Washington, DC, on December 3, 2024.
Richard Lee Parks,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-28727 Filed 12-6-24; 8:45 am]
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